In cold or wet weather, the incidences of colds and viruses do go up due to people gathering together more closely inside buildings rather than being out in the open. Their closeness to each other and the heating systems blowing their germs around both contribute to a higher incidence of colds/viruses.

can i add that germs and viruses actually thrive in warmer temperatures, so for the same reason as that that keep your food in the fridge and it develops SARS and BSE slower, if you sit outside, you too will develop hep b at a much slower rate to the Turks who have it so much worse.

are pretty bloody considerate. They don't all swan off for a cigarette if it will leave an awkward couple left to pass the time [this usually consists of me and my friend's boyfriend, who I am not a big fan of] but instead go in "shifts", almost.

I think you feeling the need to go with them is silly. I think blaming them for your cold is also silly.

They won't be gone long, just nurse a pint and MTFU about being on your own!